In this issue

By 2010, the government aims to have half of 18-30 year-olds in higher education and wants more young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in particular to aspire to a degree. Philip Harley of Action on Access hopes that universities, schools and colleges will work together to raise aspirations. >>more>>

Mike Nicholson of the University of Oxford discusses diplomas, the A* and the extended project, and explains steps that the university is taking to broaden its appeal to students of all backgrounds. >>more>>

Schools are now responsible for educating students on fixed-term exclusions after the fifth day. But cost and lack of alternative provision means some heads are avoiding lengthy exclusions altogether. Martin Whittaker reports. >>more>>